Yield Performance, Seed Colonization and Aflatoxin Contamination of Selected Peanut Lines

Abstract

A number of peanut genotypes newly developed by Kasetsart University were tested in the field and evaluated in the laboratory for resistance to Aspergillus spp., the aflatoxin – producing fungi. The performance in yielding ability was presented and the seed colonization and aflatoxin production were discussed. A few resistant lines performed as well as the susceptible Tainan 9 check in yield but showed less seed colonization when inoculated with various strains of Aspergillus as compared to the check. Only two Aspergillus strains were found to be most potent. Tainan 9 showed highest fungal infection at all storage times. However, when averaged across peanut lined it was found that the seeds kept 50 days after harvest (DAH) had lower infection than those of other storage times. The seeds stored 50 DAH had lower aflatoxin content while those of other storage times were similar in aflatoxin contamination. Tainan 9 contained on average higher aflatoxin than all other resistant lines when kept 50 DAH. No difference was observed at all other storage times. Among the 4 selected lined Asp. 220 had lowest aflatoxin content but only when kept 50 DAH. A genotype designated as Asp. 220 derived from a cross of PI 337394 F x Tainan 9 appeared to be promising because it yielded similar to Tainan 9 check but showed less seed colonization and aflatoxin contamination.